Revolution

by Keay Francis

Collide. Evolve. Love. Between the daily struggles of being a single mom and running her busy coffee shop, Kelli is swamped. Too busy to date and definitely too busy for love. Plus, if she keeps moving and focuses on everyone else, she doesn’t have time to ruminate on her failed marriage, that one hot hook up, or how overwhelmed she is… right? The small town of Port Russell might not look like much, but to Tom Marjorie, a man seeking a fresh start and a sense of purpose, he sees opportunity. A chance to lick his wounds and leave behind his family and their betrayal. A chance to build something with his own two hands. To fill the void that’s been gnawing at him as long as he can remember. Kelli is horrified to discover Tom, the one man she’d let in since her divorce, is opening a business next to hers. Tom, reeling from the surprise, can’t keep his eyes off her. He still has feelings; he just doesn’t know what to do with them. There are so many reasons a relationship between them won’t work; reasons fate and a few meddling friends refuse to let get in the way. Set against the backdrop of the breathtaking forests and rugged coastline of Vancouver Island, B.C., “Revolution” is a contemporary small-town enemies-to-lovers second-chance spicy fade-to-black romance. It is book three in the Port Russell Romance series.

Genres: Amazon

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 23, 2024

Reviews

[Destiny Imperati · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review ✨️

☆Such a great story♡

This small town romance was so enjoyable. I adored the characters, and I loved the setting of the book so much! The main characters were great. I thought Keli was the most relatable, and overall, I loved her so much. This author has some really good writing that easily pulls in!

Thanks so much to the author and Booksirens for the ARC!

[MerLuni · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️3,75

I got into the story super quickly but then I kind of struggled and not because it‘s bad or anything but for some reason I didn’t want to pick it up.

However, every time I did pick it up I was immediately sucked in and loved it. Tom was great from the start, he had amazing energy, even tho he pretended not to want anything serious it was so obvious and I loved it. He fell in love with Callum almost immediately and I loved seeing him being so protective over him.
It took me a bit to like Kelli. She was a little annoying at times but it‘s understandable in her situation so I‘m not mad about it.
Callum was such a delight and he was a driving force for me.

The dogs were an absolute bonus!

One thing I didn’t like as mostly is the third act break up. I feel like as adults they should talk about stuff and not just break up but since that usually happens in romance books it’s something I know is coming, but in this book the reason seemed a little bit extra unnecessary.

Thanks to the author for an early copy in exchange for an honest review

[Linda Dominick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked so many things about this book especially Kelli the main female character. She was a business owner, and a single mom who had the support of friends but wanted to do everything on her own. Callum her son was sweet and lovable, and really craved a male figure in his life. Kelli spent most of this book in an overwhelmed state, making hard decisions for her and her family. She didn’t believe in love after Callum’s dad left them. Then that one guy she had a one stand with pops back into her life and he's opening up a business right next door to hers! And everything changes for her and Callum. This is a slow burn/ closed door romance with that small town feel that everyone has your back.

If you enjoy books that feel real with hardship and struggle that find their way to genuine happiness you will love this story set in Canada. There are family issues with several of the characters, friendship, love, making peace, learning from the past and choosing joy when faced with the fact that there are no guarantees in life. So, live your best life while moving forward.

[Martina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet and simple story about two people who, after a one-night party, never expect to see each other again. But, as it usually happens, life has other plans and by a combination of circumstances they end up in the same city, working as neighbors in the same building. Although both are against any romantic relationship, they often end up interacting with each other. Of course, apart from fate, mutual friends also have a hand in this. The plot is a bit long and quite drawn out with a lot of details, maybe some even unnecessary, but in any case, the writer tried to convey to us every scene and event. I can't say that the book completely delighted me and knocked me off my feet, but in any case, I recommend anyone who likes such a topic to read it and make their own judgment.
I recived an advance revoew copy for free and I am leaving thih review voluntarly

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes! This book was absolute perfection. I'm not always a fan of single parent romances but this was really well written and after being briefly introduced to both Tom and Kelli in the previous books in this series, I was excited to read their story.

The emotions of both characters were palpable and I enjoyed the maturity of both characters in considering Callum while making their life decisions.

Kelli had a lot of her plate in life, and she really grew throughout the story in realizing that she should let Tom in instead of pushing him away.

Really well written and in competition for my favorite in the series!

I recieved a free ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Courtney Beyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a book that pulls me in and makes me feel at home. Kaey Francis has done it again with her 3rd Port Russell romance! It's easy for the reader to become immersed in the Port Russell community. I love how relatable the characters are. You truly feel like you're part of the story, like it's all unraveling before your very eyes. I especially like that the series continues, but from the perspective of different characters in this book. I can't wait to find out more about the many characters Kaey Francis has developed.

[Ky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This such a lovely theme for a romance novel. The idea of a connection that is close to home brought a sense of familiarity and comfort for this fellow West Coaster. It’s heartwarming to see characters find love and build a strong bond within their own community. I’m looking forward to the next story.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this story! At first I really wasn't sure I'd grow to like Tom but he weasled his way into my heart right beside Kelli. But the real star? 100% Callum! What an amazingly sweet little boy who broke my heart a couple of times seeing him hurting.

This was a beautifully written tale that had me drawn in and easily picturing the scenes as if I was right there with everyone.

As a Canadian I loved the little bits of home laced throughout and being able to picture out beautiful west coast!

[Gen · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Trust me, my girl, live while you can. Love while you can."

3.5⭐

The third installment in the Port Russell Romance series was yet again another very cute and sweet read. This time we follow Kelli, the owner of The White Raven Coffeehouse in town, and Tom, one of the best friends of Josh and Justin Cameron, the MMCs from the first two books in this series. Kelli has a lot on her plate, she's a single mother, a business owner, her mother is sick with Parkinson's, and when it rains it pours in the Pacific Northwest, apparently. She is overjoyed when she learns someone is setting up shop in the last vacant space of the small business park her coffee shop resides in, hoping it will bring in customers and help her to afford to mother's care and some time with her son, Callum. Tom has had some family drama of his own and needs to find a purpose, with many of his closest friends living in Port Russell he decides to put down roots and see what comes of it by opening a barbell gym there, adamant that he does not ever want kids or marriage, he's looking forward to some fun. He runs into Kelli there and realises she's the woman he had a one night stand with at Josh's wedding just recently. We follow them as they dance around each other and their past, and both learn very important lessons about themselves and how they connect with each other.

The characters in this were all very lovely, I always enjoy the setting of these books and love the small town feeling, where everyone knows everyone and they're all in each other's business all the time. It feels very reminiscent of other similar small town romances, almost like nostalgic feeling even though I haven't fully experienced it myself, and it is definitely something I enjoy reading about. I think the strengths in this novel were regarding the important messages that Keay Francis weaved into the storyline, about communication and honesty, about learning to trust again after betrayal, and knowing when to lean on your loved ones for support when you're beginning to burn yourself out. Kelli has lived a life where she has to control everything for so long, and her character development of letting other people take the reins or take things off her plate was well realised. I could feel her anxiety, especially when she's proven right again when trusting the wrong people, or trying to see the best in them. I could understand how hard it was for her and liked hearing her internal monologue. Tom's storyline was relatable to me as I am childfree and I thought it was interesting to see how he handled his attraction to a single mother, and her child, and was pleased when his friends called him out on his actions a few times. It was nice to see how he learned to love Callum as a mentor/friend relationship outside of his relationship with Kelli, and seeing how his mind was changed because of the people around him, but it did feel a little bit sudden. I think maybe a conversation needed to be had somewhere in the book, where he was happy to be a father figure to Callum but still wasn't completely on board with ever having his own children yet, to really sell this. Otherwise, it was kind of giving the vibes of "you just haven't met the right person yet", which I am sure absolutely happens to some people, but I don't think it was explored enough to give it weight.

I really enjoyed Resistance, the first book in this series, because it had so much passion and a fascinating storyline that drew back to the culture and Indigenous people of the area, with great scenic description and interesting and complex characters. But sadly as this series has gone on, that same vibe I really enjoyed has slowly dissipated. This book is still very adorable and completely enjoyable, but I just didn't connect to the characters very much and found some of the writing style to be a bit distant. I had this same issue with Redemption as well, where many of the main events seemed to happen off page, making the story feel a bit flat, like we were being told what had happened rather than experiencing it with the characters. I think this book suffered from that a bit as well, it just needed something a little more compelling to happen on the page to really draw the reader in. Maybe if we had been witness to a bit more of Kelli's mother's decline, or her exes drama, or some more of Tom's back and forth with his family members to create some real tension, then this would've sparked a bit of life back into the story. I noticed there was some unnecessary repetition of information, which often happens with dual POVs, and I think this could've done with perhaps another round of edits.

Overall, I have enjoyed reading this series, and if a fourth book comes out I think I will still be open to picking it up, I am guessing it will be Tan's turn to find love! I think these books are mostly well written, with just a few issues regarding character depth, showing instead of telling, and handling of the POV switches. It is well worth a read if you enjoy sweet, closed door romances with a slightly diverse cast and some interesting tropes and storylines. It's definitely a nice palette cleanser in between heavier books, and that's why I like them! A big thank you to the author, Keay Francis, and BookSirens for providing me with a copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

[Reader_for_LifeTLG · Rating 5 out of 5]

They were just what each other needed. - Single mom Kelli is giving all she has to raise her son Callum, maintain her business and look after her ailing mother. That's a lot for anyone but doing it alone multiplies the draining effect. Who has time for love?

Tom is displaced from his family business and needs something to keep to his mind off all he has lost. A move to Port Russell is right up his alley. His best friends are there, as well as the redheaded hottie he had a moment with at JC's wedding. But she ghosted him, and she has a kid, so maybe she's off-limits. He's not in the market for a family.

Initial grumbling and ghosting revelations aside, Kelli and Tom are destined to love each other. Their one night definitely left an impression, and being so close to each other only heightens their longing. It doesn't help that Callum loves spending time with Tom. And Tom returns the sentiment, the kid breaking down every barrier Tom has against fatherhood just by being his sweet, loveable self. When Kelli's ex comes back to town, the MCs' idyllic routine is upset, Rick proving his ineptness as a parent in a penultimate act of immaturity and sheer stupidity. Fear causes Kelli to push Tom away, but his loving patience (and a pouty Callum) bring her back to his arms. Love will win in the end.

This is the first book I have read by this author and I was not disappointed. The characters feel so real to me. Kelli's a mom looking out for her own mom, while shouldering the care for her young son. Not because her would-be partner cannot be around, but because he chooses to stay away. She made a bad pick, but is handling her responsibility admirably. Her efforts to tend to her mom strike a chord, the losing battle with a debilitating condition, the miles trekked to be there. Tom's instant rapport with little Callum warmed my heart. When he stepped up when it counted most, I almost cried. He just needed the right kid to crack the shell around his heart. Callum is one of the best kids ever, friendly, helpful, fun, caring. A credit to his mom and grandma. The cast of extras are amazing, supporting Kelli and Callum, rooting for Kelli and Tom. A great community to be surrounded by, Port Russell is a town I would love to visit again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ethereal Amorist · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 ⭐

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Kelli is a single mom who owns a coffee shop in Port Russell, a small town with helpful and kind neighbors. When she learns that the shop next to hers is bought by Tom, a guy with whom she had a one-night stand during her best friend's wedding a few months ago, she is shocked.

Tom needs a new start and decides Port Russell is the best place since his best friends and their partners are settled in that place. But he is pleasantly surprised to see the redhead he had a hot night with months ago own the business next to him. He isn't quite happy with the fact that she has a kid, but still can't deny the attraction between them.

Trigger Warning~ death of loved ones (historical), a parent suffering from Parkinson's syndrome (off-page), and mild language.

It was a decent read, though it didn't hook me to the story. From the beginning itself, I did not like the main characters a lot. Tom was hot and cold, and portrayed to be a player - relationship-phobic, but then suddenly changed and warmed up to the idea of dating a single mom.

I couldn't connect with Kelli, so I did not really enjoy reading her point of view either. The writing style felt detached, making me feel kinda bored while reading. The plot, though it had a unique storyline, felt very predictable as it went on. I actually have nothing against a predictable book, but I hate it when it becomes too cliché.

Halfway through the book, I was just power reading it to finish it off.

The story was structured quite well, with a double point of view in third-person perspective narration. But the novel as a whole could have been better.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Port Russell Romance series, and is a beautifully layered, second-chance romance that delivers on both heart and heat. Kelli, a strong but overwhelmed single mom and coffee shop owner, is doing her best to keep it all together—until Tom Marjorie, the one man who slipped past her guard, unexpectedly returns to town… and sets up shop right next door.

What follows is an emotionally charged and deeply heartfelt story about healing, trust, and learning to open up when it’s easier to stay closed off. Kelli and Tom’s chemistry is undeniable, even as they wrestle with their pasts, their pride, and a few well-meaning meddling friends. The backdrop of Port Russell—with its coastal beauty and small-town quirks—adds charm and authenticity, making you want to linger there long after the last page.

With a slow burn that leads to satisfying, fade-to-black spice, Revolution is a perfect pick if you love enemies-to-lovers tension, personal growth, and the quiet magic of finding love when you least expect it.

I received a complimentary copy from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. The story was engaging and the characters were excellent. It was fun to see more of the characters from the previous books. The main characters were both dealing with major challenges and changes in their lives, which made navigating a burgeoning romance all the more difficult. The setting is unique amongst books I have read and it added an interesting layer to the story. The sense of community and support runs through this story. This book has a similar focus on love and relationships building in spite of challenging circumstances as the other books in the series, however, the story elements are more removed from the community issues of the first two books. While this is the third book in a series, it reads well as a standalone. It is a little more removed from the significant events in the first two books so it reads well as a standalone, whereas the first two books are more tied together. This is a fade-to-black romance with innuendo and strong harsh language.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Maryjanezigzag · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid continuation of the Port Russell series.

Kelli is carrying such a heavy load I'm exhausted on her behalf: She's a sandwich generation woman - looking after her son and her mom. Tom is a cinnamon-roll ultra likeable guy she'd be nuts not to take up with - but if course, no smooth path for true love :)

The obstacles were believable, the resolution sweet - and seeing the Port Russell gang together again was pretty great.

Very enjoyable.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rachel Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read, I liked the setting in particular. The story of Kelli and Tom, I liked how it was told from both points of view and the updates on the other couples from the series so far. Looking forward to the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another lovely small-town romance from Keay Francis set on Vancouver Island and close to home. It took me a while to warm up to the main characters but the Port Russell cast helped make this a great romance between adults with busy lives who give love and each other another chance.

[Neal Turnage · Rating 5 out of 5]

A writer with a heart for romance that beats strong and fierce throughout this charming series.

[Tami Winbush · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderfully moving book that shows that the family that finds us is often time better than the family we were born into. I love how this started out slow so the characters could get to know one another and the passion they feel for each other is palatable. Love the funny curse words the author throws in there. Such a sweet, lovely romance.

[Chia · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Revolution" by Keay Francis is a sweet and simple story about two people who, after a one-night party, never expect to see each other again. However, life has other plans, and through a combination of circumstances, they end up in the same city, working as neighbors in the same building. Although both are initially against any romantic relationship, they often find themselves interacting, with fate and mutual friends playing significant roles in bringing them together.

I was instantly immersing myself in every event and interaction, creating a vivid picture of the characters' lives. While the book may not have completely captivated me or swept me off my feet, it has its charm, especially for fans of the genre. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys small-town romances!

Set on Vancouver Island, "Revolution" is yet another lovely small-town romance from Keay Francis. It features the familiar and beloved Port Russell cast, which helps make this a compelling romance between adults with busy lives who give love and each other another chance.

This is the third book in the series, and it stands out as my favorite. Meeting characters from the previous books added a layer of continuity and warmth, enhancing the overall experience. The interconnected lives of the Port Russell residents add depth and charm to the story.

The emotions of both characters are palpable throughout the book, and their maturity in considering Callum while making life decisions is commendable. Kelli's personal growth, as she learns to let Tom in instead of pushing him away, is beautifully portrayed.

"Revolution" is a well-written addition to the series and a strong contender for my favorite book so far. It offers a satisfying blend of romance, realistic struggles, and heartwarming moments, making it a must-read for fans of small-town love stories. ♥

[Mrs Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series, and it is my favorite. It made me happy to meet some of the characters from books 1 and 2 again. Seeing how they all move together in their everyday lives made this book the best, so far.

I enjoyed that the struggles that Kelli faced felt very realistic and of value. I loved that Tom wanted to help her as much as he could. It was especially satisfying that he wanted to help her even before he understood his full feelings towards her (and Callum).

Thank you for the copy, this is my honest opinion.